UTSA debate team earns honors at Baylor

(Jan. 26, 2007)--During the awards ceremony at the Baylor University debate tournament, the UTSA cross-examination debate team received recognition from the Baylor University debate director.

UTSA senior Matt Reichle received the Debater of the Year Award. In an unusual addendum to the traditional award, Matt Gerber, Baylor University director of debate, revealed that his team wanted the entire UTSA squad recognized for their work ethic, friendliness, the quality of their debate, and their regional and national successes. The recognition was a pleasant surprise.

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Reichle and his debate partner, UTSA senior Philip DiPiazza, placed second in the tournament, losing on a narrow 2-1 decision to a team from North Texas University.

Reichle and DiPiazza defeated Concordia University in octafinals, Wayne State in quarterfinals, and UT Dallas in semifinals. This was their first final round appearance this season. Both Reichle and DiPiazza received recognition for placing among the top 10 individual debaters in the tournament.

Two UTSA freshmen, Katie Barton and Ramsey Palmer, also debated in the tournament. The first-year debaters normally compete in the junior varsity division, however, at Baylor they fought through six losses to gain one welcome win in their first appearance in the advanced debate division.